The Tribune

THE family of a missing Bahamian pilot whose aircraft disappeared in waters south of New Providence yesterday say they are still holding out hope for his safe return.

The pilot, identified as Exuma resident and father of two Patterson Smith, departed George Town, Exuma, at about 2.32pm aboard a Piper PA-32 aircraft, registration C6PA, bound for New Providence when it encountered difficulties. He was the only person on board. 

Preliminary information from Air Traffic Control indicated that the aircraft was last detected about 30 nautical miles south of New Providence before communication was lost, according to an airline company official.

Search and rescue operations involving the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) and the United States Coast Guard are currently underway.

Smith’s brother, Eugene, told The Tribune that the family would not stop searching until he was found.

He said his brother had decades of flying experience and had travelled extensively throughout The Bahamas. Family members were also joining search teams in combing the area for the missing pilot, he added. 

Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper said in a statement today that he was hoping for Smith’s safe return, adding that his thoughts and prayers were with the pilot’s family.

The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation also released a statement on the search efforts, saying further updates would be provided by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority and the Ministry of Transport.